Dallas Mavericks Suspend Delonte West For The 2nd Time In Two Weeks

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have indefinitely suspended guard Delonte West.

“We have suspended Delonte for conduct detrimental to the team,” President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson said. “The suspension is effective immediately and no other statements will be issued.”

West has played in all seven games for the Mavericks this preseason and is averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game.

Just like the first suspension, the specific circumstances surrounding this decision are unknown. Nevertheless, West explained his side of the story, at length, on Twitter:

I’m gonna just pray for um!!!…perception is not reality!!!..real is real…in any language,culture…and what’s wrong is what’s wrong!!
All my family friends fans…who been right der wit me this uphill battle over the last 4years to get to this point….already know
That my name showin up in any fashion in a negative light is the worst thing that can happen.everything Ived worked towards out d window
Just ask u to talk with me….I’m a grown man…that’s not above logic and reason…Before u go to the papers wit false information.
If I’m not what u lookin 4 ….That’s fine…just dont kick me in my ass on the way out the door….I didn’t do anything to deserve that…
I love the city of Dallas..I love playin in the NBA…no I’m not off my meds…no I ain’t on no bipolar trip…this real people lives..
And it just ain’t right..imma leave it at that..no ill will towards no one…I’m just sittin here across from the arena wit tear in my eyes

West’s reference to bipolar disorder isn’t just an offhand comment. He does in fact deal with the condition, a fact he hasn’t been shy about discussing with the media in recent years. His most notorious incident as an NBA player — a 2009 arrest for riding a motorcycle with a large number of firearms in tow — was related to his bipolar disorder, and it’s a defining aspect of his life. However, that doesn’t mean every argument he has or defense he makes stems from being bipolar. And, if we believe him here, this impassioned defense isn’t just an episode, either.